On Curriculum and Instruction

Leverages deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction and assessment to improve student learning Develops, implements, and evaluates rigorous curricula to accelerate learning for all students. Supports teachers in using effective instructional strategies to meet students diverse learning needs. Regularly assesses student learning and ensures the provision of specific, timely feedback to teachers and students. Aligns standards, curricula, instructional strategies, and assessment tools. Although Ive been teaching in the classroom for nearly two decades, Bank Street has provided me with a much richer and deeper knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve student learning. Ive grown so much as an instructional leader, and one of the most invaluable experiences has been getting into classrooms and seeing my colleagues in action. Through observations, taking innumerable low-inference notes and transcripts, walkthroughs, conferences, and interviews, I feel like I have a stronger grasp of instruction. At first, I wasnt very keen on the Danielson Framework, as I initially thought it was an evaluative tool for rating teachers. I now see all the benefits of using such a framework as a tool to collaborate and have conversations with teachers about improving instruction and student learning. It has to be looked at as a tool for growth rather than a tool to judge or punish. When used incorrectly, these tools can quickly become vices rather than supports for teachers and educators. I was able to go through two full cycles of supervision with one of my colleagues, and we both learned so much through the process. I was able to learn so much through my observations and was also able to take on the role as an instructional leader when I gave her feedback and offered her suggestions on how to strengthen her instruction even further. She was extremely receptive and implemented some of my suggestions right away and offered me strong feedback on how well things worked out. To me, this is what true collaboration and being an instructional leader means. In addition to visiting classrooms, Ive enjoyed collaborating with my colleagues in meetings, facilitating workshops and staff development meetings, and conducting and attending lunch and learns. In terms of sharing best practices, there is so much we can learn from one another when we have opportunities to share and learn from each others experiences and expertise. As an instructional leader, its not about having all the answers. Through asking questions, inquiry groups, action research, conversations, collaboration, etc., we can come up with the solutions that can help enhance our students learning and help them to succeed. Its definitely a team effort and creating positive shared experiences.

On Resources and Operations

Manages resources and operations to improve student learning Develops and implements systems and processes to ensure effective operations that support student learning. Manages time in relation to student learning priorities. Brings projects to completion. Allocates and manages budgets and resources effectively in support of learning goals.

Aligns youth development and support services around academic goals.

Ive always enjoyed working behind the scenes and contributing in whatever capacity I can to support the school and the community. My principal has entrusted me with the planning and purchasing of technology equipment in our school with various budget allocations and funding. This past year we had a Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) allocation of approximately $75,000, two Resolution A (RESO A) City Council allocations of $35,000 each, plus our annual school allocation of NYSTL funding for hardware and software monies totaling around $20,000. I felt the best way to figure out what to buy and how to spend these allocations was to assess the needs of the school. I did that in the form of an online survey and also spoke to teachers during our voluntary Tech Lunch and Learns. The biggest question was how could best allocate and manage our technology budget to improve teacher instruction and ultimately student learning. The LMDC experience was a great learning experience that took me through the whole process of planning, preparing, purchasing, and the full implementation of the grant allocation. In terms of developing and implementing systems, structures, and processes to ensure effective operations that support student learning, I learned the value of allowing for teacher input and teacher voice in making school decisions around instruction. When the focus is on student learning and everyones input is valued, a collaborative culture becomes established, and will produce more positive outcomes

On Personal Leadership
Fosters a culture of excellence through personal leadership Believes all students can achieve at high levels. Articulates a clear vision and goals for high student achievement. Holds self and others accountable for student learning. Strategically aligns leadership behaviors with stated values and goals to drive required change. Develops strategic plans with effective solutions. Adapts appropriately to situation, audience, and needs. Influences others to achieve results. Builds strong relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and empathy. Communicates clearly and appropriately for the audience and message. Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to ongoing learning. Welcomes and acts on performance feedback. Demonstrates emotional fortitude and perseveres in the face of obstacles. The pursuit of excellence has been the biggest draw for me in terms of my growth in and development in personal leadership. The keys in developing personal leadership for me has been about developing a voice, building relationships, establishing trust and accountability, overcoming adversity, and embracing lifelong learning. As an aspiring leader, Ive felt responsible for keeping current with all the latest news and trends in education and policy. I subscribe to a number of online newsletters that focus on education and leadership and have been a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) for nearly twenty years. Ive enjoyed attending the Weismann dinners at Bank Street along with attending conferences, webinars, or forums

focused on educational issues. Ive learned that its important to not just sit back and receive all of this information, but to ask questions, seek out answers, and to even speak out for students when necessary. This school year, I had the opportunity to write a guest post on Lisa Nielsens (The Innovative Educator) blog, and it was the top post of the week with over 2,000 views. I was also invited to meet the Minister of Education from the Netherlands and to have a conversation with her and other Bank Street faculty and students. Its nice to have that seat at the table, because ultimately its about whats best for our students when it comes to education. Ive learned the importance of developing relationships both inside and outside of the school as a school leader. The connections that Ive made along the way have been awesome, and its really great to be amongst a community of educators, parents, students, and learners, whether in person or virtually. Ive found it important to have a social media and online presence and to get involved with educational issues. I will make sure to keep developing that digital footprint as a leader in education. Its important to establish that trust and accountability with others, and I want for others to be able to count on me when it matters for our children. Ive also learned about how leadership is about overcoming adversity. There are obstacles every step of the way, and Ive definitely been tested and grown in my emotional fortitude and perseverance. I had an amazing summer internship experience working at a middle school, and so much was unfamiliar to me. There are times when I had to just jump into things and learn quickly and make the decisions that need to be made. Ill never forget the fire drill that was scheduled, and yet my mentor was not there that day. It was scheduled for 9AM, but I was then asked if it could be postponed because one of the schools students came in at that time or were dropped off for camp. Some of these students were very young. I contacted the principal via texting and e-mail and was able to take charge of the situation, change the time, and inform all the different schools that were housed in the building, including the cafeteria. There was a lot of running around, but when the fire drill came and went, everything ran smoothly. Ive also learned that there are times when you need to speak out, but there are other times when you should sit back and listen. Its not always in my best interest to speak whats on my mind. Sometimes, its better to sit back, observe, and learn from experiences. I am very grateful for having a wonderful mentor, advisor, faculty and staff members that have helped guide me and supported me along the way. Finally, Ive always seen myself as a lifelong learned and its one big reason why Ive loved education and have stayed with it for over 20 years now and will continue to. Theres always more to learn and challenges to face. I will continue to seek out opportunities to write grants, attend or help facilitate conferences and workshops, read up on educational issues, and actively participate in education. In many ways, its a new beginning as I now have new lenses and perspectives as an aspiring leader.